Hot off the back of two UK Pantomime Award nominations, the New Wolsey Theatre is thrilled to announce this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll panto, Beauty and the Beast. The show will run from Friday, 21 November 2025, to Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Ipswich’s favourite Rock ‘n’ Roll panto returns with Beauty and the Beast, promising a magical adventure filled with hilarious panto gags and incredible rock and pop hits played live by an exceptionally talented cast.
The fabulous Dame Mrs Ringer is making wedding plans for her daughter, unaware that Belle and her feathered friend Pigeon have bigger interests at heart. They dare to unlock a mysterious 1000-year-old Ipswich door and help the Beast undo the evil Snarlina’s spell. Can the Beast break the curse in time by learning to love again? Can Belle see beyond his fearsome appearance? And will Pigeon be able to help save the day without getting in a flap?
Beauty and the Beast is written by Vikki Stone, who recently received a nomination from the UK Pantomime Association for Best Script for last year’s New Wolsey Theatre festive offering, Sleeping Beauty. On her nomination, Vikki said, “I’m thrilled to have been nominated for Best Script in the 2025 Pantomime Awards for last year’s Sleeping Beauty. I’m very passionate about pantomime and always strive to make my scripts serve audiences old and new; a combination of modern and traditional.”
Musical Director Dan de Cruz has also been nominated for Best Contribution to Music for his work on Sleeping Beauty, marking a fantastic year for the New Wolsey Theatre’s much-loved Rock ‘n’ Roll pantomime.
New Wolsey Theatre Chief Executive/Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul said, “I’m incredibly proud that our much-loved pantomime is receiving national recognition, with Pantomime Award nominations for the second year running. Last year, we were thrilled to surpass expectations, selling over 28,000 tickets and 250 livestream passes.”
The New Wolsey Theatre is running their Pay It Forward campaign again for 2025, raising over £4,000 from public donations last year. The campaign helps provide tickets to those who may not otherwise be able to experience the magic of panto.
As in previous years, Audio Described, Captioned, British Sign Language interpreted, and Relaxed/Dementia-friendly performances will be available, as well as bookable pre-show Touch Tours.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
